Ota Minoru

ModernGeneralJapan1891 — 1945

Naval commander who defended Okinawa to the death.

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Quick Facts

Born

1891

Died

1945

Country

Japan

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)26

Influence (20%)50

Legacy (20%)42

Leadership (15%)37

Strategy (15%)45

Total Score42.0

Ota Minoru — Complete Timeline

1945 AD

Assumed command of the Okinawa Naval BaseWar◆ Major

In early 1945, Rear Admiral Ota Minoru was placed in command of the Imperial Japanese Navy's forces on Okinawa. He was responsible for defending the island against the impending American invasion, leading a mixed force of naval personnel and base troops.

World War IIPacific WarOkinawa

Impact: regional

Led the defense of the Oroku PeninsulaWar◆ Major

During the Battle of Okinawa, Ota commanded the defense of the Oroku Peninsula from May to June 1945. His forces, numbering about 10,000 men, held out against the U.S. 6th Marine Division for ten days of intense fighting before being overwhelmed.

World War IIBattle of OkinawaLast Stand

Impact: regionaltragic

Committed suicide with staff officersOther◆ Major

On June 13, 1945, with his position overrun and defeat imminent, Rear Admiral Ota Minoru committed suicide by pistol along with his senior staff officers in his command cave on the Oroku Peninsula. This act followed the Japanese military code of honor.

World War IISuicideBushido

tragic